Leak proof collapsible cup

ABSTRACT

Provided are collapsible compact cups and sealing cup lids for everyday use. The cups are designed with two or more rigid portions that are used to engage with the cup lids and support the cup. The rigid portions are interconnected by one or more flexible middle portions configured to support the upper rigid portion when the cup is in the upper operational position. At the same time, the flexible portion may bend under a certain force exerted by the user during collapsing of the cup and may allow one rigid portion to slide over another rigid portion. Even in this lower collapsed position, all rigid and flexible portions of the cup may remain connected to each other, thereby preventing any spills from the cups (e.g., residual liquids) creating a pocket sized cup with a sealing lid.

FIELD

This application relates generally to collapsible cups and cup lids forsealing the collapsible cups and, more specifically, to collapsible cupswith a flexible center that is co-molded to a ridged top and bottompiece.

BACKGROUND

Conventional foldable cups typically include a set of individual ringsthat telescopically expand into a cone-like shape to form a cavity forliquid. However, such cups are difficult to clean, for example, in theareas where two adjacent rings engage to each other, and often leak.Such cups also tend to break easily. Other conventional designs alsosuffer from similar problems.

At the same time, collapsible cups can present many benefits to theirusers. For example, collapsible cups may be used to replace disposablecups, which would substantially reduce the amount of waste. It has beencited by the Clean Air Council that the average American office workeruses about 500 disposable cups every year. Furthermore, collapsible cupsare extremely useful for travelers, hikers, and such.

SUMMARY

Provided are collapsible cups and cup lids for sealing the collapsiblecups. The cups are designed with two or more rigid portions that areused to engage with the cup lids and support the cup on the surfaces.These multiple rigid portions are interconnected by one or more flexiblemiddle portions configured to support the upper rigid portion when thecup is in the upper operation position. At the same time, the flexibleportion may bend under a certain force exerted by the user duringcollapsing of the cup and may allow one rigid portion to slide overanother rigid portion. Even in this lower collapsed position, all rigidand flexible portions of the cup may remain seamlessly connected to eachother preventing any spills from the cups (e.g., residual liquids). Thecup lid may include a slidable element configured to move betweenmultiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening.

In certain embodiments, a collapsible cup for storing liquid includes atop portion including a first rigid plastic material, a bottom portionincluding a second rigid plastic material, and a middle portionincluding a flexible plastic material. These portions form one unifiedbody consisting of a hard upper and lower portion with a flexible centersection forming one seamless unit. The middle portion is seamlesslyattached to the top and bottom portions at the two interfaces defined bythese three portions (i.e., at a first interface between the top andmiddle portions and at a second interface between the middle and bottomportions). Furthermore, the middle portion allows the top portion tomove between an upper operational position in which the top, bottom, andmiddle portions are extended with respect to each other resulting in amaximum cup height and a lower collapsed position in which these threeportions are collapsed resulting in a minimum cup height. In the upperoperational position, the three portions form a closed end cavityconfigured for storing the liquid. In the lower collapsed position, thetop portion is positioned around the bottom portion and the connectionbetween the top and bottom portions is maintained. As such, thecollapsible cups may also store liquids or at least prevent someresidual liquid from spilling outside of the cup when the cup is thelower collapsed position.

In certain embodiments, the first rigid plastic material and/or secondrigid plastic material includes high density polyethylene (HDPE). In thesame or other embodiments, the flexible plastic material includes aflexible polymer. The rigid plastic materials and flexible plasticmaterial may be transparent and allow detecting a liquid level when thecup is used to store liquid. The middle portion of the cup may have avariable thickness of the flexible plastic material along the height ofthe cup. This variable thickness may be configured to support the topportion of the cup when the top portion is in the upper operationalposition.

The minimum cup height may be less than about 2 inch. Specifically, inthe collapsed positioned the cup may be sufficiently small to fit into auser pocket, a small bag (e.g., laptop bag), and other similar carryingoptions. The cup may be configured to store between about 2 ounces and24 ounces of liquid in the upper operational position and be used as acoffee cup or a juice glass. The cup may be also configured to store theliquid in the lower collapsed position and used as a smaller cup, suchas an espresso cup or a shot glass.

In certain embodiments, the collapsible cup also includes a lidconfigured for sealing with the top portion of the cup. The lid mayinclude a slidable element configured to move between multiple positionsfor controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening. For example, theslidable element may be configured to temporary stop and/or lock in atleast the three following positions: a fully-closed position, anintermediate open position, and a fully-open position. These positionscorrespond to three different sizes of the liquid delivery opening. Theliquid delivery opening may be configured to accommodate a straw fordelivering the liquid out of the collapsible cup when the slidableelement is the fully-open position. Furthermore, the cup may be spillproof when the slidable element is the fully-closed position. The cupmay remain spill proof, when the slidable element is the fully-closedposition, in both the upper operational position and the lower collapsedposition of the collapsible cup.

In certain embodiments, the lid includes a ventilation aperture. Theslidable element of the lid, described above, may include a centercolumn knob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configuredto assist in moving the slidable element between the multiple positions.In certain embodiments, the lid includes an open channel disposed on atop surface of the lid and in communication with the liquid deliveryopening. The channel is configured to maintain the liquid within thechannel during delivery of the liquid to a user. The lid may include twoprotrusions positioned adjacent to the channel for supporting wallsdefining the channel with respect to an outside rim of the lid. Theseprotrusions are positioned adjacent to the liquid delivery opening toprovide comfort to the user during consumption of the beverage.Specifically, the protrusions provide a smooth surface to the lips torest against to provide additional comfort.

In certain embodiments, the lid may include a thread configured forengaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion during engagingand sealing the lid with respect to the top portion. The lid or the topportion may also include a sealing gasket for establishing a better sealin between these two components. The gasket may be integrated withco-molding of a softer elastomer into a harder material (e.g., highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), or be a standalone component. In certainembodiments, the lid and/or top portion have sufficiently flexibleengaging surfaces to form a seal in between these two components. Thelid may include a carrying feature having a protrusion extending from anedge of the lid and a through opening made in the protrusion. This canbe used for hanging to display the item or to hook onto a carabineer.

Also provided is a cup lid configured for use with a cup, such as acollapsible cup described above. However, one skilled in the art willunderstand that this lid may also be used with other types of cups aswell. In certain embodiments, a cup lid includes a lid body forming asealing edge configured for sealing with a top portion of a cup. The lidbody may include a ventilation aperture. The lid body may also includean open channel disposed on a top surface of the lid body and incommunication with the liquid delivery opening and configured tomaintain the liquid within the open channel during delivery of theliquid. The lid body may also include two protrusions positionedadjacent to the channel for the lips to rest against while drinking toprovide comfort, thus defining the channel with respect to an outsiderim of the lid. Finally, the lid body may also include a threadconfigured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portionof the cup during engaging and sealing the lid with respect to the topportion.

In certain embodiments, the cup lid also includes a slidable elementsupported by the lid body and configured to move between at least threepositions with respect to the lid body for controlling a size of aliquid delivery opening, the three positions including a fully-closedposition, an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position. Theliquid delivery opening is configured to accommodate a straw fordelivering the liquid out of the cup when the slidable element is thefully-open position. Furthermore, the cup may be maintained spill proofwhen the slidable element is the fully-closed position. The cup remainsspill proof, when the slidable element is in the fully-closed position,in both the upper operational position and the lower collapsed positionof the compact cup. The slidable element may include a center columnknob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configured toassist in moving the slidable element between the multiple positions.

These and other aspects of the invention are described further belowwith reference to the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an assemblyincluding a collapsible cup and a lid, in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic side view of the assembly in an upperoperational position, in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic side view of the assembly in a lowercollapsed position, in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a middle portion ofthe collapsible cup illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, in accordance withcertain embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the middle portion, inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate two schematic perspective views of a lid witha slidable element removed from the lid, in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a schematic perspective and bottom views of aslidable element for use with the lid illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, inaccordance with certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Thepresent invention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process operations have not beendescribed in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure the presentinvention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thespecific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended tolimit the invention to the embodiments.

Provided are to collapsible cups and cup lids for sealing thecollapsible cups. The cups are designed with two or more rigid portionsthat are used to engage with the cup lids and support the cup on thesurfaces. These multiple rigid portions are interconnected by one ormore flexible middle portions configured to support the upper rigidportion when the cup is in the upper operation position. At the sametime, the flexible portion may bend under a certain force exerted by theuser during folding of the cup and may allow one rigid portion to slideover another rigid portion. Even in this lower collapsed position, allrigid and flexible portions of the cup may remain seamlessly connectedto each other preventing any spills from the cups (e.g., residualliquids). The cup lid may include a slidable element configured to movebetween multiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid deliveryopening.

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an assembly 100including a collapsible cup 102 and a lid 150 attached to cup assembly100, in accordance with certain embodiments. Lid 150 is shown with aslidable element 152, which is described in more detail below withreference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Assembly 100 may be used for storingvarious liquids, including cold and hot drinks such as coffee andjuices. In general, assembly 100 may be configured to operate at atemperature range of −30° C. (e.g., for storing frozen liquids) and 100°C. (e.g., for storing boiling liquids). Materials used for assembly 100,which are further described below, may allow microwave heating,sterilization, and other processing of assembly 100. It should be notedthat collapsible cup 102 may be used with or without lid 150.Furthermore, lid 150 may be used with collapsible cup 102 or some othertypes of cups. Various feature of lid 150 are described in more detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In certain embodiments, the collapsible cup 102 includes a top portion104, a middle portion 106, and a bottom portion 108. Top portion 104 andbottom portion 108 are generally made from rigid plastic materials, suchas HDPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate(PBT), nylon, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate(PC), polyester (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).One skilled in the art will understand some or all materials used forconstruction of the cup assembly, including the lid, may need to be foodgrade materials. In certain embodiments, the top and bottom portions 104and 108 are made from semi-rigid and even flexible materials. Middleportion 106 is generally made from a sufficiently flexible plasticmaterial, such as silicone polymers. Middle portion 106 is attached totop portion 104 and bottom portion 108 and a provides connection at afirst interface 105 between top portion 104 and middle portion 106 andanother connection at a second interface 107 between middle portion 106and bottom portion 108. Various details of the connections and theseinterfaces are further described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and2B.

Middle portion 106 allows top portion 104 to move between at least twopositions: an upper operational position shown in FIG. 1B and a lowercollapsed position shown in FIG. 1C. Specifically, in the upperoperational position, top portion 104, middle portion 106, and bottomportion 108 are extended with respect to each other, which results in amaximum cup height and forms a closed end cavity configured for storingthe liquid. In this position, the cup may be configured to between about2 ounces and 24 ounces of liquid. In the lower collapsed position, topportion 104, middle portion 106, and bottom portion 108 are collapsed,which results in a minimum cup height (e.g., less than about 1 inch) Inthis position, top portion 104 is positioned around bottom portion (notvisible in FIG. 1C and therefore schematically shown with a dashed line110). The size of top portion 104 should be sufficient to accommodatethe entire height of bottom portion 108 as well as any folds created bymiddle portion. The connections between all three portions aremaintained in the lower collapsed position. This feature helps toprevent the spilling of residual liquids when the cup is collapsed. Incertain embodiments, the collapsed cup or the collapsed cup assembly maybe used to hold smaller volumes of liquids and effectively used as asmaller cup, such as an espresso cup or a shot glass. The folding may bespecifically designed for certain volumes and, therefore, thecollapsible cup may be used as a dual size measuring cup. Furthermore,all three portions may be made from transparent materials that allowdetecting a liquid level inside the cup.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of middle portion 106of the collapsible cup 102 described above with reference to FIGS.1A-1C. Furthermore, FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of thismiddle portion 106, in accordance with certain embodiments. Middleportion 106 includes a top edge 202, a bottom edge 204, and a side wall206 extending between top edge 202 and bottom edge 204 and connectingthe two. Top edge 202 of middle portion 106 is specifically configuredto form a connection with the top portion of the cup 102 (not shown inFIG. 2A). For example, top edge 202 of middle portion 106 may have aninterlocking groove for engaging with a similar feature disposed on thebottom edge of the top portion 104. Likewise, bottom edge 204 of middleportion 106 is specifically configured to form a connection with thebottom portion 108 of the cup (not shown in FIG. 2A).

In certain embodiments, side wall 206 of middle portion 106 has avariable thickness along the cup's height, as schematically shown inFIG. 2B. Specifically, dashed line 208 represents an inside surface ofside wall 206. Top portion 210 of the side wall is shown to be thinnerthan bottom portion 212 of the side wall. In general, the thickness ofside wall 206 may be specifically configured to support the top portion104 of the cup (not shown in FIG. 2B) when the top portion 104 is in theupper operational position. Furthermore, the thickness of side wall 206should allow the cup to fold as, for example, shown in FIGS. 1B-1C. Incertain embodiments, middle portion also has grooved (not shown) thatmay be used to guide side wall 206 during folding and to achieve thedesired fold (as opposed to the random fold). The variable thicknessfeature described above may also be used to achieve the controlled fold.

FIGS. 3A and 3 illustrate two schematic perspective views of a lid 150that may be used in the assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in accordancewith certain embodiments. Lid 150 is shown without the slidable elementto better illustrate some additional features. However, as indicatedabove, lid 150 is generally coupled to the slidable element, which isconfigured to move with respect to lid 150 between multiple positionsfor controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening 302.

In certain embodiments, the slidable element is configured to temporarystop and/or lock in at least the three following positions with respectto lid 150: a fully-closed position, an intermediate open position, anda fully-open position. In the fully-open position, liquid deliveryopening 302 may be configured to accommodate a straw for delivering theliquid out of the collapsible cup. The straw may have a diameter ofabout 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 10millimeters, and even 12 millimeters. Interlocking may be provided byone or more interlocking features, such as protrusion 308 shown in FIG.3A. Protrusion 308 is configured to couple with one or more indents 402,404, and 406 shown of slidable element 152 shown in FIG. 4B. Forexample, when protrusion 308 is coupled with indent 402, slidableelement 152 is temporary locked in the fully open position. Thisposition may be used for consumption of cold drinks and/or viscousdrinks (such as smoothies), for protruding a straw through the liquiddelivery opening 302, and other purposes when a large orifice to theliquid containing vessel may be needed. When protrusion 308 is coupledwith indent 404, slidable element 152 is temporary locked in theintermediate open position. This position may be used for consumption ofhot drinks (e.g., when accidental release of large volumes of liquidsshould be prevented). Finally, when protrusion 308 is coupled withindent 402, slidable element 152 is temporary locked in the fully-closedposition. The cup may be spill proof when the slidable element 152 isthe fully-closed position.

In certain embodiments, lid 150 includes a ventilation aperture 310.Ventilation aperture 310 may be used to supply air back into the cupwhen the liquid is being discharged through liquid delivery opening 302.As such, the cup assembly may be fully discharged without a need forrepeatedly tipping the assembly to equalize the pressure inside theassembly and outside the assembly. Ventilation aperture 310 is typicallyrather small and configured to prevent liquid spills through ventilationaperture 310 when the assembly is tipped over. This is typically due toa rather high surface tension of various liquids, such as coffee, tea,juices, and smoothies. In these embodiments, the side of ventilationaperture 310 may be less than about 1 millimeter or, more specifically,less than 0.5 millimeters, or even less than 0.25 millimeters. In thesame or other embodiments, lid 150 and the corresponding slidableelement 152 are configured to block ventilation aperture 310 when theliquid delivery opening 302 is in the fully-closed position.

In certain embodiments, lid 150 includes an open channel 312 disposed onthe top surface of lid 150 and in communication with liquid deliveryopening 302. This open channel 312 may be configured to maintain liquidwithin its channel while the liquid is being delivered from liquiddelivery opening 302 to the user. In other words, open channel 312 helpsto improve the spill proof properties of lid 150 and to contain theliquid within the certain designated area. In certain embodiments, lid150 also includes two protrusions 304 a and 304 b positioned adjacent toopen channel 312 for supporting walls defining channel 312 with respectto an edge 314 of the lid.

In certain embodiments (shown in FIG. 3B), lid 150 includes a thread 316configured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion104 during engaging and sealing lid 150 with respect to the top portion.The lid 150 or the top portion 104 may also include a sealing gasket forestablishing a better seal in between these two components. The gasketmay be a part of either one of these components or be a standalonecomponent. In certain embodiments, the lid 150 and/or top portion 104have sufficiently flexible engaging surfaces to form a seal in betweenthese two components.

In certain embodiments, lid 150 includes a carrying feature 306 a.Carrying feature 306 a may be used to hang lid 150 or the cup assembly100 for display (e.g., in a retail environment) or for carrying theassembly between uses of the cup (e.g., attaching to a belt orback-pack). Carrying feature 306 a may include a protrusion 306 bextending from edge 314 and a through opening 306 c made in protrusion306 b.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a schematic perspective and bottom views ofslidable element 152 for use with the lid 150 illustrated in FIGS.3A-3C, in accordance with certain embodiments. In certain embodiments,slidable element 152 includes a center column knob 408 extending in anupward direction and configured to assist in moving the slidable element152 with respect to the lid. Center column knob 408 is shown withchamfers for additional user's comfort and ease of cleaning the lidassembly. Slidable element 152 also shown with edge rails 410 forengaging with corresponding rails on the lid 150 and allowing forslidable element 152 to move with respect to the lid 150 and stayattached to the lid 150.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative waysof implementing the processes, systems and apparatus of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limitedto the details given herein.

1. A collapsible cup comprising: a top portion comprising a first rigidplastic material; a bottom portion comprising a second rigid plasticmaterial; and a middle portion comprising a flexible plastic material,the middle portion attached to the top portion and the bottom portionand providing a connection at a first interface between the top portionand the middle portion and at a second interface between the middleportion and the bottom portion, the middle portion allowing the topportion to move between: an upper operational position in which the topportion, the bottom portion, and the middle portion are extended withrespect to each other, resulting in a maximum cup height and forming aclosed end cavity configured for storing contents; and a lower collapsedposition in which the top portion, the bottom portion, and the middleportion are collapsed, resulting in a minimum cup height and in whichthe top portion is positioned around the bottom portion, wherein aconnection between the top portion and the bottom portion is maintained.2. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the first rigid plasticmaterial and the second rigid plastic material comprise high densitypolyethylene (HDPE); and wherein the flexible plastic material comprisesa flexible polymer.
 3. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the firstrigid plastic material, the second rigid plastic material, and theflexible plastic material are transparent and allow for detecting aliquid level when the cup is used to store the liquid.
 4. Thecollapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the middle portion has a variablethickness of the flexible plastic material along a height of the cup andthe variable thickness is configured to allow for ease of collapsinginto designated grooves and for the lower and middle section of the cupto fit into the center portion of the upper ring of the cup when it isin the compact collapsed position.
 5. The collapsible cup of claim 1,wherein the minimum cup height is less than about 1.5 inch.
 6. Thecollapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the cup is configured to storebetween about 2 ounces and 24 ounces of the contents in the upperoperational position.
 7. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the cupis configured to store the contents in the lower compact position. 8.The collapsible cup of claim 1, further comprising a lid configured forsealing with the top portion, the lid comprising a slidable elementconfigured to move between multiple positions for controlling a size ofa liquid delivery opening.
 9. The collapsible cup of claim 8, whereinthe slidable element is configured to temporary stop and/or lock in atleast three positions: a fully-closed position, an intermediate openposition, and a fully-open position.
 10. The collapsible cup of claim 9,wherein the liquid delivery opening is configured to accommodate a strawfor delivering the liquid out of the collapsible cup when the slidableelement is the fully-open position.
 11. The collapsible cup of claim 9,wherein the cup is spill proof when the slidable element is thefully-closed position.
 12. The collapsible cup of claim 11, wherein thecup remains spill proof, when the slidable element is the fully-closedposition, in both the upper operational position and the lower compactposition of the collapsible cup.
 13. The collapsible cup of claim 8,wherein the lid comprises a ventilation aperture.
 14. The collapsiblecup of claim 8, wherein the slidable element comprises a center columnknob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configured toassist in moving the slidable element between the multiple positions.15. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the lid comprises an openchannel disposed on a top surface of the lid and in communication withthe liquid delivery opening and configured to maintain the liquid withinthe channel during delivery of the liquid.
 16. The collapsible cup ofclaim 15, wherein the lid comprises two protrusions positioned adjacentto the channel for supporting the lips to rest against a smooth surfacewhile drinking to provide comfort.
 17. The collapsible cup of claim 8,wherein the lid comprises a thread configured for engaging with acorresponding thread on the top portion during engaging and sealing thelid with respect to the top portion.
 18. The collapsible cup of claim 8,wherein the lid comprises a carrying feature.
 19. The collapsible cup ofclaim 18, wherein the carrying feature comprises a protrusion extendingfrom an edge of the lid and a through-hole made in the protrusion.
 20. Acup lid comprising: a lid body forming a connecting edge configured forconnecting with a top portion of a cup, the lid body comprising: aventilation aperture an open channel disposed on a top surface of thelid body and in communication with a content delivery opening andconfigured to maintain the conntent within the open channel duringdelivery of the content; two protrusions positioned adjacent to thechannel for supporting walls defining the channel with respect to anoutside rim of the lid; a thread configured for engaging with acorresponding thread on the top portion during engaging and sealing thelid with respect to the top portion; and a slidable element supported bythe lid body and configured to move between at least three positionswith respect to the lid body for controlling a size of the contentdelivery opening, the three positions including a fully-closed position,an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position, wherein thecontent delivery opening is configured to accommodate a straw fordelivering the content out of the cup when the slidable element is thefully-open position, wherein the cup is spill proof when the slidableelement is the fully-closed position and wherein the cup remains spillproof, when the slidable element is the fully-closed position, in both aupper operational position and a lower collapsed position of the cup,wherein the slidable element comprises a center column knob extending inan upward direction from the lid and configured to assist in moving theslidable element between multiple positions of the slidable element.